31 Exquisite Vegan Indian Recipes to Elevate Your Plant-Based Meals for a Tasty and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Renowned for its rich culinary heritage, Indian cuisine offers a diverse array of mouth-watering options that cater to all dietary needs. From aromatic curries to delectable street foods and snacks, the country’s plant-based dishes are not only incredibly flavorful but also packed with nutrients. If you’re looking to explore the world of vegan Indian recipes, we’ve got you covered!

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the best and most mouth-watering vegan options that will transport your taste buds on a thrilling journey across India.

Vegan Butter Chickpea Curry in a Flash

Vegan Butter Chickpea Curry in a Flash

Brimming with the authentic flavors of India, this Easy Vegan Indian Butter Chickpeas recipe is a mouth-watering twist on the classic Indian Butter Chicken. The aromatic spices blend together in a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly complements a variety of sides, including fluffy rice, roasted potatoes, or nutty quinoa.

Spicy Vegan Potato Delight from India

Spicy Vegan Potato Delight from India

Taking center stage in many Indian-inspired meals, Bombay Potatoes is a hearty and spicy vegan dish that is surprisingly easy to prepare using minimal ingredients. The combination of soft, buttery potatoes with crunchy red bell peppers and a rich, flavorful sauce creates a delightful culinary experience. A key benefit of this recipe is its versatility – the level of spiciness can be tailored to suit individual tastes.

Traditionally, Bombay Potatoes is free from gluten and animal products, making it an excellent option for those adhering to specific dietary requirements. As a result, it has become a popular choice among health-conscious food enthusiasts and those seeking to explore the rich flavors of Indian cuisine without compromise.

Quick Vegan Chickpea Curry Recipe

Quick Vegan Chickpea Curry Recipe

Often sought after by those looking for flavorful and easy-to-make Indian recipes, Easy Chana Masala is a popular dish that checks all the right boxes. Made with chickpeas and a blend of aromatic spices, it’s a naturally vegan and gluten-free option packed with plant-based protein and fiber. The best part? It can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks.

When served as a main dish alongside steamed basmati rice and either chapati or naan bread, the flavors and textures of this curry really shine. One of the standout features of Easy Chana Masala is its versatility – the level of spiciness can be adjusted to suit individual tastes, making it accessible to both those who enjoy a good kick and those who prefer a milder flavor.

Whether you’re in the mood for something quick and satisfying or just need a reliable vegan option, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Potato Pea Curry Delight

Potato Pea Curry Delight

Taking inspiration from traditional Indian cuisine, Aloo Matar is a delightful vegan dish that effortlessly brings together the humble potato and green peas in a rich onion tomato masala. This gluten-free recipe can be made with fresh or frozen peas, making it an excellent option for those who prefer to cook with seasonal ingredients.

Its versatility shines through as it can be paired with a variety of accompaniments such as rice, rotis, parathas, or puri, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. The presence of dill leaves adds an unmistakable and delectable flavor dimension, elevating the dish to new heights. Regardless of whether it’s cooked in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, Aloo Matar remains a nutritious and mouth-watering choice for a fulfilling meal.

Vegan Chickpea Curry in 30 Minutes

Vegan Chickpea Curry in 30 Minutes

Underlying the simplicity of this recipe lies its depth of flavor, which makes it an authentic representation of traditional Indian cuisine. It’s a one-pot dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes, utilizing common ingredients readily available at most grocery stores. The presence of chickpeas lends a generous amount of protein to the dish, making it a satisfying and filling option.

One of its notable advantages is that it can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use, retaining its flavor and texture intact. A crucial element contributing to its authentic taste is the tanginess imparted by tamarind paste, elevating the overall character of the dish. Chana Masala can be enjoyed in various ways, such as pairing it with bhatura, naan, or rice, or even using it as a filling for Trinidad Doubles.

Its adaptability and flavor profile make it an essential try for vegans and enthusiasts of Indian cuisine alike.

Veggie Tikka Masala Bonanza Recipe

Veggie Tikka Masala Bonanza Recipe

Relying on the popularity of traditional tikka masala, Loaded Veggie Tikka Masala is a vegan adaptation that has won over many hearts. This plant-based version boasts an array of colorful vegetables, transforming it into a saucy dish that’s both familiar and exciting.

The recipe masterfully combines a medley of spices, coconut yogurt, and coconut cream to create a rich and indulgent sauce, while perfectly cooked cauliflower, carrots, chickpeas, and peas add texture and depth to this satisfying meal. Serve with fluffy basmati rice for a well-rounded and nourishing dinner option that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.

Creamy Cashew Tofu in Tomato Spice Sauce

Creamy Cashew Tofu in Tomato Spice Sauce

Welcoming to the world of vegan cuisine, Vegan ‘Paneer’ Butter Masala is a culinary masterpiece that skillfully replicates the rich flavors of traditional Indian cooking without relying on dairy products. The creamy cashew sauce beautifully envelops the tofu cubes, imparting an indulgent and satisfying texture to each bite. This delectable dish boasts an impressive depth of flavor courtesy of the vegetable stock used in its preparation.

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While the homemade version may not boast the same vibrant orange hue as its restaurant counterpart, it presents a healthier alternative that still packs a punch when it comes to taste. The addition of vegan butter elevates the authentic flavor and mouth-feel, making this dish an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a plant-based twist on a beloved Indian classic.

North Indian-Style Creamy Chickpea Curry

North Indian-Style Creamy Chickpea Curry

Unlocking the flavors of India, Vegan Saag Chana is a delectable and nutritious curry recipe that showcases chickpeas and spinach as the main ingredients. This plant-based, oil-free dish achieves an incredible richness and creaminess through the addition of cashew cream, making it a standout option for those seeking a healthy and satisfying meal.

Coconut Creamy Vegan Indian Lentil Delight

Coconut Creamy Vegan Indian Lentil Delight

Brimming with comforting warmth and rich flavors, the Black Lentil Curry is a vegan Indian dish that has captured the hearts of many food enthusiasts. This delightful curry combines the nutritious goodness of black lentils and red kidney beans with an array of spices, creating a truly satisfying taste experience. The innovative use of coconut milk instead of traditional cream adds a unique twist to this beloved recipe, elevating it to new heights.

It is best served with a side of crispy vegan naan bread and fluffy steamed basmati rice for a filling and enjoyable meal. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring the world of plant-based cuisine, the Black Lentil Curry is an absolute must-try recipe that promises to leave you feeling content and eager for more.

Creamy Spinach Curry with Crispy Tofu

Creamy Spinach Curry with Crispy Tofu

Redefining the classic Indian dish, Vegan Palak Tofu Paneer is a game-changing twist on traditional palak paneer. The rich and creamy spinach gravy provides the perfect backdrop for the crispy tofu, which cleverly takes on the role of its dairy-based counterpart, paneer. The addition of coconut cream lends a depth of flavor that is both nutty and indulgent, while the tofu itself is expertly seasoned with garam masala and nutritional yeast to amplify its cheesiness.

This innovative vegan adaptation of palak paneer boasts an impressive balance of flavors and textures, making it effortless to prepare and guaranteed to wow even the most discerning palates.

Creamy Vegan Tofu Masala Delight

Creamy Vegan Tofu Masala Delight

Just like its non-vegan counterpart, Tofu Tikka Masala offers an authentic taste experience that will transport you to the streets of India. The combination of aromatic spices, marinated tofu, tomato sauce, and coconut milk creates a rich and creamy sauce that’s both indulgent and satisfying. This plant-based version of the classic dish provides a protein-rich substitute for chicken, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Vegan Chicken Curry with Crispy Tofu Bites

Vegan Chicken Curry with Crispy Tofu Bites

Yellowing pages from traditional Indian cookbooks may have inspired the creation of Khada Masala Murg Curry with Baked Tofu, but this vegan version has taken on a life of its own. By substituting chicken with oven-baked tofu, the dish transforms into a flavorful and aromatic delight that’s perfect for serving with rice or flatbread. The sauce, made with a blend of whole spices, is the true hero of this recipe, providing depth and complexity to each bite.

Moreover, this dhaba-style curry is both gluten-free and adaptable, allowing it to be easily modified to accommodate soy-free alternatives.

Spiced Chickpea Curry in Rich Tomato Sauce

Spiced Chickpea Curry in Rich Tomato Sauce

While traditional Indian dishes like Butter Chicken often feature meat as the centerpiece, this vegan version offers a satisfying plant-based alternative that’s just as flavorful and aromatic. The rich spiced tomato-based curry sauce is a key component of Vegan Butter Chickpeas, providing an earthy depth to each bite.

By replacing chicken with chickpeas, this recipe not only caters to those following a vegan diet but also offers a nutritious and filling option for anyone looking for a delicious Indian-inspired meal. It pairs perfectly with naan, paratha, basmati rice, or any other carb of your choice, making it an excellent addition to your repertoire of plant-based recipes.

Vegan Creamy Indian Curry with Butter Beans

Vegan Creamy Indian Curry with Butter Beans

Wrapped in the richness of coconut milk and the warmth of aromatic spices, Coconut Vegan Korma is a delectable Indian-inspired dish that’s perfect for both vegans and those looking to add some variety to their meat-free meals. This vegan version of the classic korma recipe is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks.

The blend of spices, including garlic, ginger, curry powder, and garam masala, creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible, while the coconut milk adds a luxurious creaminess to the sauce. Whether served over rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes, Coconut Vegan Korma is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, offering a satisfying and healthy meal option that’s free from animal products.

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Vegan Cauliflower Masala Curry Delight

Vegan Cauliflower Masala Curry Delight

Offering a delightful twist on traditional Indian cuisine, Cauliflower Bhuna Masala is a delectable and comforting vegan curry that has captured the hearts of many. This rich and flavorful dish is made with tender charred cauliflower chunks expertly blended with a vibrant masala created from caramelized onions, aromatic garlic, pungent ginger, juicy tomatoes, and an array of carefully selected Indian spices.

The combination of textures and flavors is nothing short of impressive, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a healthy and satisfying vegan Indian recipe that will leave them wanting more.

Lentil Masala Curry

Lentil Masala Curry

Brimming with aromatic spices and savory flavors, Masala Lentils is a popular and satisfying vegan Indian dish that’s sure to delight the senses. Made with brown lentils, a medley of spices, and a rich tomato-based tempering, this recipe offers an exquisite combination of flavors that will leave you wanting more. The lentils are carefully cooked until tender and then combined with a fragrant spice blend, onions, and fresh tomatoes.

To add a finishing touch, the dish is garnished with a sprinkle of cilantro and a dollop of vegan butter, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty and flavorful vegan Indian recipe that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Hearty Vegan Indian Potato Stew

Hearty Vegan Indian Potato Stew

Harnessing the rich flavors of India, Potato Curry is a delectable vegan recipe that combines aromatic spices and hearty ingredients to create a truly authentic dish. The curry itself is not overly spicy, but rather warm and inviting in taste, making it a perfect option for those who prefer milder flavors. The star ingredients include Yukon gold potatoes, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and light coconut milk, all of which come together to create a rich and satisfying sauce.

Adding to the authenticity of the dish are the carefully selected spices – curry powder, garam masala, cumin, and turmeric – which blend together in perfect harmony to transport your taste buds to the streets of India. When served with steaming hot rice or naan, garnished with fresh cilantro, Potato Curry is a culinary experience that will leave you craving for more.

Creamy Red Lentil Curry Delight

Creamy Red Lentil Curry Delight

Beyond its rich and creamy texture, The Vegan Red Lentil Curry boasts an impressive array of health benefits. Boasting lentils as the primary protein source, this dish provides a substantial dose of fiber and essential nutrients, making it an excellent option for those seeking a nourishing meal.

By combining full-fat coconut milk, almond butter, and Indian spices with aromatic compounds like garlic, ginger, and turmeric, this curry not only satisfies but also promotes overall well-being, thanks to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content.

Vegan Indian Tofu Curry Delight

Vegan Indian Tofu Curry Delight

Merging the flavors of India with plant-based goodness, Tofu Curry is a mouthwatering vegan recipe that combines chunky tofu cubes and mixed vegetables in a rich, mild sauce. The extra crunchy texture comes from a coating made with nutritional yeast and aromatic spices, adding depth to this Indian-inspired dish. The curry sauce itself is a symphony of flavors, blending sautéed onions, garlic, ginger, and a medley of warming spices.

Simmered with crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and coconut milk, the sauce thickens and matures, creating a deliciously creamy base for the dish. Whether served over rice or paired with a warm naan, Tofu Curry is an excellent option for anyone looking to try a versatile and easy-to-make Indian-inspired recipe.

Vegan Chickpea Curry with Indian Twist

Vegan Chickpea Curry with Indian Twist

Keeping in mind the simplicity of vegan cooking, this Chickpea Tikka Masala recipe is an excellent choice for those looking to recreate the flavors of India at home. The dish itself is a hearty and saucy affair, with a rich tomato curry sauce serving as the base, complemented perfectly by tender chickpeas.

As with many Indian-inspired recipes, customization plays a key role in making this dish truly your own – consider adding some steamed cauliflower or roasted sweet potatoes to give it an extra boost of flavor and texture. When it comes to pairing options, Chickpea Tikka Masala is versatile enough to be served alongside rice, quinoa, or even warm naan bread for a truly indulgent experience.

Ultimately, this recipe embodies the perfect balance of comfort food and international flair, making it a must-try for any vegan looking to add some excitement to their mealtime routine.

Quick Indian-Style Vegan Flatbread Recipe

Quick Indian-Style Vegan Flatbread Recipe

Here’s a homemade vegan naan recipe that yields a fluffy and tender Indian-inspired bread perfect for snacking or as a side dish. Made with basic ingredients such as warm water, yeast, flour, salt, baking powder, garlic, dairy-free yogurt, and oil, this recipe is straightforward to prepare and suitable for vegans. This versatile bread can be served alongside various Indian dishes like curry, lentil soup, or chutney, or even used as a wrap.

With a prep time of 2 hours and 30 minutes and a cook time of just 10 minutes, making homemade naan is a quick and delightful addition to any meal.

Creamy Vegan Vegetable Curry Delight

Creamy Vegan Vegetable Curry Delight

Often considered a staple in Indian cuisine, Vegetable Korma is a dish that embodies the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This vegan delight is made by combining a medley of fresh vegetables such as cauliflower, peas, green beans, and potatoes with a rich sauce crafted from cashews, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, and a blend of aromatic spices. The result is a satisfying and comforting meal that is both easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.

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Vegan Twist on Classic Butter Chicken

Vegan Twist on Classic Butter Chicken

You’ll enjoy the Easy Vegan Butter Chicken recipe, a plant-based twist on the beloved Indian dish that’s as tasty as its dairy-filled counterpart. This recipe features crispy tofu smothered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce, making it a satisfying alternative to traditional butter chicken without the need for takeout or expensive restaurant meals.

With easily accessible ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this vegan version of the classic dish is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. You can serve the Easy Vegan Butter Chicken with basmati rice or Indian flatbreads, and feel free to add your favorite vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.

As a bonus, this recipe allows for leftovers, which can be refrigerated for several days or frozen for future meals, making it an ideal option for busy households or those looking to meal prep. Overall, this Easy Vegan Butter Chicken recipe is a delicious and family-friendly choice that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Vegan Spinach Curry with Tofu Twist

Vegan Spinach Curry with Tofu Twist

Often considered one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Indian cuisine, Palak Paneer has been given a delicious makeover by incorporating tofu as a substitute for paneer. The blend of rich fenugreek and earthy garam masala perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of spinach and cilantro, creating a dish that is both familiar and innovative. The key to making this vegan version of Palak Paneer successful lies in the clever use of substitutes such as tofu and coconut milk.

These ingredients not only replicate the texture and taste of traditional dairy products but also make the dish accessible to those following a plant-based diet. Paired with basmati rice and vegan naan or flatbread, this recipe offers a complete and satisfying meal that is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for new ideas to spice up your cooking routine, this vegan Palak Paneer with Tofu is an absolute must-try.

Creamy Tofu Palak Curry with Cashew Sauce

Creamy Tofu Palak Curry with Cashew Sauce

Crafted with love and care, this Vegan Saag Paneer – Palak Tofu Curry is an innovative adaptation of a classic Indian dish. By substituting traditional paneer with tofu, it not only reduces the calorie count but also makes it more accessible to those with dietary restrictions. The clever use of cashew cream instead of heavy cream adds a rich and creamy texture to this dairy-free spinach curry.

Spiced Veggie Delight from Sindh

Spiced Veggie Delight from Sindh

Vegetable enthusiasts will love Sindhi Vegetable Biryani, a traditional Indian dish that showcases layers of spiced vegetables, chickpeas, and fragrant basmati rice. This innovative recipe has been expertly crafted to cater to the growing demand for plant-based cuisine, making it a perfect option for vegans and those with gluten intolerance. The combination of curry-marinated vegetables, crispy fried potatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Furthermore, the addition of saffron-infused plant milk adds a stunning golden hue to the dish, elevating its visual appeal as well as its unique essence. Ultimately, Sindhi Vegetable Biryani is an absolute must-try recipe for anyone seeking a mouth-watering and satisfying vegan Indian meal.

Vegan Paneer Curry Delight

Vegan Paneer Curry Delight

Often underappreciated in the realm of vegan Indian cuisine, Matar Paneer is a dish that defies expectations with its use of soft paneer and green peas in a rich onion tomato gravy. Unlike many other recipes, this one skips the cream and cashews typically used for thickness and creaminess, relying instead on the natural flavors of the ingredients to create a deep and satisfying sauce.

Easy 15-Minute Peanut Butter Curry

Easy 15-Minute Peanut Butter Curry

Filling the cravings of vegans with international flavors, the Vegan Peanut Butter Curry is an excellent choice. It can be prepared in just 15 minutes using readily available ingredients such as tinned tomatoes, coconut milk, chickpeas, and peanut butter, which also keeps costs down. The presence of curry powder lends a gentle flavor profile that caters to various taste preferences.

Matar Tofu

Matar Tofu

Flavorful variations of traditional Indian recipes are becoming increasingly popular, especially among vegans. One such example is Matar Tofu, a creative twist on the classic Matar Paneer. In this recipe, paneer cheese has been replaced with crispy tofu that’s simmered in a rich cumin tomato sauce infused with peas. This comforting and satisfying dish can be served with flatbread to make it a complete meal.

The addition of nutritional yeast and spices adds depth to the tofu, while the sauce is made with a blend of aromatic spices and fresh tomato puree for an authentic Indian flavor. Overall, Matar Tofu is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a vegan version of a traditional Indian dish that doesn’t sacrifice taste or authenticity.

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